Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson believes midfielder Peter Pawlett’s performances deserve the attention of Scotland manager Gordon Strachan.
Pawlett has been a key player for manager Derek McInnes this season, but his displays have failed to attract the headlines reserved for players such as Ryan Gauld at Dundee United.
But Pawlett’s captain Anderson believes international recognition must be on the agenda soon for the former Scotland under-21 international.
Anderson said: “There’s no doubt he is one of the best young talents in the country, even though he doesn’t maybe get the same attention.
“You can see how much confidence he is playing with. As for Scotland, I can’t see why not. The players Gordon Strachan is picking are doing well at the moment and they are playing with confidence.
“But I am sure he will be looking to the future and you can’t help but notice the likes of Peter and Ryan Jack, who are young and doing well.
“It’s difficult to measure the improvement he has made – but you can see it every week on the pitch. Teams are setting themselves up to deal with him because they see him as our dangerman.
“It’s a huge compliment to him. Peter’s playing with a lot of confidence and doing really well.”
Aberdeen have recorded more wins already this season than they managed in the whole of the previous campaign, but keeping a clean sheet in 10 of their 21 Scottish Premiership matches pleases the captain most. Anderson said: “The defensive record is satisfying. There have been a few changes, but with squad here there will always be players not in the side who will feel unfortunate to be left out.
“There’s not a big difference between the players and you know if someone drops out you will get a similar level of performance from the one coming in. When players have been given opportunities they have taken them.”
One of the defensive options in recent matches has been attacking midfielder Jonny Hayes, who has deputised at left back in the absence of injured duo Clark Robertson and Andrew Considine.
Anderson has been impressed by the Dubliner’s efforts. He said: “He’s shown he is not just willing to play there but is also very capable.”